One of my springtime rituals is to watch Ken Burn’s “Baseball” documentary in anticipation of the baseball season. The documentary is structured into innings that cover individual decades. Last night, I watched the 1940s disc, much of which is devoted to Jackie Robinson and his historic breaking of Major League Baseball’s color barrier.
The Brooklyn Dodgers’ owner Branch Rickey gave much thought to choosing the right player to integrate the game. There were many talented players in the Negro Leagues, but he needed someone who could maintain his composure when faced with the inevitable hostility they would experience. Although Jackie Robinson had a temper, he was up to the task of not responding with anger to the verbal and physical attacks. He had pitchers throw beanballs at his head and runners intentionally spike his leg when he covered first base. Not to mention piles of death threats.
Jackie won this battle using a powerful combination of character and athletic ability. He won over teammates who were hesitant by his spectacular play and leadership as they successfully won the pennant. Fortunately, he was judged on his ability and won over the hearts of America’s baseball fans. After two seasons of turning the other cheek, Branch Rickey gave him permission to be more outspoken.
His position as a trailblazer did take a physical toll and he retired after 10 seasons with the Dodgers, who later moved to Los Angeles. The iconic play of his career was in the first game of the 1955 World Series when he stole home. The Dodgers finally won the series against the Yankees that year.
He spent his post-baseball career as a civil rights leader. This is covered in the second part of Ken Burns documentary Jackie Robinson. In 2013, actor Chadwick Boseman captured his story in the biopic 42. Major League Baseball retired his number and each year on April 15th, everyone on the field wears the number 42.
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